Raff, Bloch, Honegger & F. Martin: Piano Trios "Swiss Perspective"

Trio Nota Bene: «Swiss Perspective»

After a first volume dedicated to Russian music in 2007; in which they mingled Rachmaninov's and Arenski's crepuscular romanticism with Chostakovitch's "revolutionary" 20th century (CD 50-2720); the young Nota Bene Trio from the canton of Valais; Switzerland; is back with Claves with a programme that is 100%….. Swiss!

A hymn to a land that they cherish; but particularly to composers from the turn of the century whose chamber music riches are still little known today; this "Swiss Perspective" album is a truly sensational experience for one's ears and one's curiosity! Joachim Raff's First Trio; Ernest Bloch's Three Nocturnes; Arthur Honegger's Trio in F; and finally Frank Martin's Trio on Popular Irish Melodies: the journey proposed by Lionel Monnet (piano); Julien Zufferey (violin) and Xavier Pignat (cello) honours the prestigious masters whom they came across on their travels.

With a Diploma from the Lausanne Conservatory; in Patrick Genet's class (first violin of the Sine Nomine Quartet); Nota Bene have an impressive background. Disciples of the Wanderer Trio in Paris; who praised their "stunning musical maturity"; they also benefited from Menahem Presler's precious advice (Beaux-Arts Trio); as well as Shmuel Ashkenasi's from the Vermeer Quartet.

Among their latest successes; they performed in the Concertgebouw Amsterdam in 2008; and were appointed artistic directors of the Champéry "Rencontres Musicales" Festival the following year.